Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Want to be an agent for change in schools?
Transform the future of education as a school leader.
Earn a master’s degree (M.Ed.) or post-master’s graduate certificate (GC) in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (ELPS) at the University of Richmond. Successful completion of the M.Ed. or certificate course of study, combined with earning a passing score on the Virginia School Leadership Licensure Assessment, satisfies Virginia’s licensure endorsement requirement in administration and supervision prek-12.
Study with fellow educators and experienced leaders.
In the School of Professional & Continuing Studies, you’ll study with fellow educators and prospective school leaders seeking to make a difference in their schools and communities. You’ll learn theories and practice new leadership skills, share leadership strategies, and compare stories with peers and experienced faculty.
Apply what you learn.
Interactive, experiential learning in field experiences enables you to apply what you’re learning in school leadership settings. Then reflect on your field experiences through reflective practice seminars, facilitated by seasoned school leaders and scholars, to learn additional lessons from your experiences.
Make a difference.
Graduates of our educational leadership and policy studies program are sought after throughout Central Virginia. Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared to become Virginia school administrators and leaders and to make a difference in the lives of children, the health of communities, and the future of education.
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Study on the Richmond campus.
Our Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program offers a unique learning experience on the University of Richmond campus. Our students and instructors build a community of learners in weekly courses and seminars held late afternoons and evenings — convenient times for educators.
Campus is accessible by car from Three Chopt Road, River Road and Huguenot Road, enabling easy access from any part of the Richmond region. There are also campus stops on GRTC bus route 77, enabling public transit from downtown and the Pulse.
Courses + field experiences required for graduate certificate
Courses + field experiences required for master’s degree
Years of teaching experience recommended for admission
Your degree on your terms.
The University of Richmond combines the resources of a private liberal arts college with the scheduling needs of working professionals. Classes are scheduled in the evenings and during summers on the University of Richmond campus, located conveniently in Richmond’s near West End with ample parking and all-night library access. Late-night assistance with technology, presentations and writing is also available.
Sought-after graduates.
Graduates of the University of Richmond’s graduate education programs are sought after as teachers and leaders in regional school divisions. Earning a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies prepares you for both the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) and for the challenges and rewards of being a school leader in Virginia.
For less than expected.
Our degree programs offer you the personalized attention and small class size of a private university at a price that compares favorably with a public education. Our graduate tuition rate is $721/semester hour.* Scholarships are available, and our programs qualify for financial aid.
*2023-24 graduate tuition rate. Review annual cost of attendance (COA) for SPCS degree-seeking students.